Fireworks Safety Tips for July 4th: How to Stay to Prevent Injuries and Fires

On the July 4th holiday, police and fire departments across the country warn of the danger of fireworks that injure thousands of people each year.

In the weeks following Independence Day, an average of 180 people went to the emergency room for fireworks injuries, and more than 16,000 fireworks are launched each year. In addition, about two-thirds of fireworks injuries each year occur around July 4. Most of the injuries are burns and are associated with familiar devices such as sparklers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission It provides the following tips to ensure your safety.

• Do not allow toddlers to play with fireworks. Sparklers are fireworks that are considered by many to be the ideal “safe” device for young people and burn at very high temperatures and should not be handled by young children.
• Older children should be allowed to use fireworks only under the strict supervision of adults. Do not allow running or horse play.
• Launch outdoor fireworks in a clean location away from homes, dry leaves, grass and other combustibles.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to pour into fireworks that have failed to ignite or explode in an emergency.
• Do not reignite or handle broken fireworks. Soak them in water and throw them away.
• Make sure others are out of range before you light the fireworks.
• Do not light fireworks in containers, especially glass or metal containers.
• Keep unused fireworks away from the firing area.
• Store the fireworks in a cool and dry place.
• Check the instructions for special storage methods.
• Please comply with local laws.
• Do not place any part of your body directly above the fireworks while lit.
• Don’t try homemade fireworks.

See: Pediatrician discusses children’s July 4 safety

Also, do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol. Also, then make sure that all combustibles are completely gone.